The Cost of Duty
Kenrick Argo Kemp only wanted a normal life, but that chance vanished when his father and grandfather perished in an explosion. Born with Gene R (robust) rather than injected with it, Kenrick knew from a young age he was destined to serve. Every decision he made was driven by a vow to prevent the war his family had fought to avoid, striving to protect his kind and others like them from a future of conflict.
It was a cloudy day. Young Kenrick Kemp clung to his father’s leg. "Daddy, where are you going?" he asked. "To work. I’m going to help your grandfather," Reginald Kemp replied, ruffling Kenrick’s hair before setting him down on a chair. Kenrick stood up, meeting his father eye to eye. At just eight, he sensed the danger. He had a knack for eavesdropping.
"Son, I know you know what I know, but I won’t call you out for it," Reginald said with a weary smile. "Promise me something, Ken. We are pawns in a coming war. It might not happen, but we have to be ready. Will you be ready? You are special, even more than your grandpa and I."
"But will you be hurt, Daddy?" Kenrick’s eyes filled with tears. Reginald hugged him. "If I am, know it’s for the greater good, a future of peace between worlds. One day it might be your turn, but I hope it won’t be."
"Why must there be a war, Daddy?" Kenrick sobbed, pounding his father’s chest. "Why can’t you quit? I’ll sell lemonade, baked goodies—I’ll earn money. Why should you sacrifice yourself and leave me? Why not have a normal job?"
Reginald held him tighter. "Because this is for the greater good, Ken. For a world where you’ll grow up safe."
Unbeknownst to them, they would be walking into the arms of death. Inside the laboratory, a man in a lab coat concealed bombs. He had wired the place, knowing the "anti-terrorist" projects, including himself, were all infected by Gene R. As he watched the scientists work, he whispered, "This is an abomination," and detonated the explosives.
Kenrick grew up and resolved to honor his father's memory with every step he took toward a future free from the shadows of war.
About the Creator
Karina Thyra
Fangirl of sorts.
Twitter: @ArianaGsparks
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Comments (4)
This story emphasizes the importance of sacrificing for the greater good. Kenrick's father set aside his normal life, embodying selflessness to serve a greater cause in the pursuit of peace. Kenrick inherited that trait from his father, hoping to achieve a greater good for future generations!! PS: One of the best plots I've read here on Vocal! So mind-blowing! Kudos to you, Ate Karina! You're such a good writer! Keep it up!💗🌷
Wow one of my favourites! Quite intense, Quite deep, highly thought provoking. Some many questions about your inspirations for this piece! A tragic twist, the laboratory meant for peace becomes a graveyard, shattering young Kenrick's innocence while his father's honorable sacrifice echoes as a reminder of the heavy price paid for a future free from conflict.
There is no freedom from wars. There will always be tyrants and mad crazy arses who pour their unhappiness on poor folks. Poor dying to appease the rich.
No matter the cause, war kills. Interesting piece.